9mo old rejecting breast suddenly. Why?

If I remember correctly, this is about the time that babies get distracted during feeding as there are more interesting things to do. I seem to remember feeding my kids in a dimmed room without any distractions around. It's worth a try. Will she nurse at night when she's sleepy???

Many times, particularly before the age of 1 year (I think) what might be mistaken for baby-led weaning is a case of nursing strike. I haven't experienced it myself so can't really give you more information on that. But try to read up on "nursing strike" and see if that might be what is the problem ?

When babies abruptly stop nursing, it's a nursing strike - not weaning. Babies rarely wean on their own before 18-24 months, and self-weaning is almost never abrupt. A nursing strike can last for one to two weeks.


Older babies are also very distractable by noise and activities around them. Try going to a dark quiet room to breastfeed.


Will baby nurse while asleep or just waking up? This is usually one of the best times to try. You also might try nursing lying down or while walking around. See also the tips at www.kellymom.com.


As long as baby is not nursing as often as before, you'll want to express your milk to stay comfortable, maintain supply and avoid plugged ducts and mastitis.


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